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French international striker Nicolas Anelka kicks the ball during a Euro 2008 qualifying match against Ukraine, 2 June 2007. Manchester United have shown no interest in signing Bolton´s Anelka according to Bolton chairman Phil Gartside.LONDON (AFP) – Manchester United have shown no interest in signing Bolton’s French international striker Nicolas Anelka according to Bolton chairman Phil Gartside.

Speculation that the Premiership champions could be interested in acquiring the services of the much-travelled hitman had been growing since the season ended.

They were further fuelled when Anelka, who joined unfashionable Bolton last summer admitted that he “could not say no” to a move to Old Trafford.

But Gartside insists the forward is not for sale and admits there is no chance of the move taking place anyway – because United chief executive David Gill has told him they have no interest in signing Anelka.

Gartside told www.bwfc.co.uk: “David Gill has confirmed to me that Manchester United has no interest in Nicolas Anelka.

“Sammy Lee is looking to build a squad for next season and we absolutely have no interest in selling any of our better players. Nicolas, of course, is one such player.”

Anelka failed to make the France squad for the World Cup last summer but he is back in the picture with the national side and scored in the 2-0 victory over the Ukraine on Saturday.

The 28-year-old already has played for a host of clubs including Paris St Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City and Fenerbahce
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OLE Operation

Injury-prone Solskjaer out until July

Written by: AFP

Manchester United´s veteran striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer takes part in a training session in Manchester, April 2007. Solskjaer will be out of action until July after undergoing an operation on an injured knee.

OSLO (AFP) – Manchester United’s veteran Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be out of action until July after undergoing an operation on an injured knee on Monday.

“He’s okay. It was a simple intervention that lasted half an hour,” Doctor Tor Einar Andersen told AFP.

“We hope that he’ll be fit to play again when the English Premiership resumes at the start of July,” he said, confirming that the striker would miss Norway’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Hungary on June 6.

The injury is a recurrence of an old-standing problem that saw Solskjaer miss almost three seasons of action for the Old Trafford giants.
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ALAN SMITH

Smith keen to commit to United

By ANDREW HAIGH
June 04, 2007

ALAN SMITH has vowed to fight for his place at Manchester United.
The England striker’s spot is under threat after the signings of wonderkids Anderson and Nani.

But Smith, who is a target for Tottenham, Everton and Sunderland, insists he wants to commit his long-term future to the club.

Smith, 26, said: “You know at Manchester United that every year they will sign world-class players. It’s an education that makes you mentally strong.

“You know players will come in and that you are not guaranteed to play games week in, week out.

“That is probably how I got through my injuries.

“It’s a short career and you have to try to take every opportunity when it comes.

“I have a contract discussion coming up.

“I was due contract talks last year and we decided, the club and myself, that I wouldn’t do it when I was injured because it wasn’t fair on them.

“But now I am fit and ready to commit my future. I want to stay at United.

“My agent has spoken with the club and the talks should happen in the next few weeks.”
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HEINZE

Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze claims Real Madrid and Barcelona are competing for his signature.

Heinze’s future at Old Trafford has been the subject of speculation following the arrival of Patrice Evra at the club.

The Argentine international is no longer guaranteed a starting place in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and he is believed to be considering leaving the Premiership champions.

“When the internationals are over we’ll see where I will play,” Heinze told The Sun.

“I don’t know if I’ll play for Madrid or Barcelona.”

Heinze’s brother and advisor Sebastian claims Real Madrid face competition from Barcelona with Juventus anothEr interested party.

He said: “As well as Real Madrid there are other teams showing interest in Gabriel, like Barcelona and Juventus in Italy,